Pep Guardiola has told two Premier League managers he ‘wishes he had their team’ amid Manchester City’s poor season. Far from securing a record-extending fifth successive Premier League trophy, Man City face a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League after an alarming drop-off this season.

Pep Guardiola has been shortlisted for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for January. The City boss oversaw an unbeaten month of domestic action for the reigning champions thanks to three wins and a draw with the side scoring more goals – 15 – than any other top flight team.

Manchester City avoided Champions League humiliation. Now back to the job of salvaging the Premier League season.